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Chhandayan regularly carries out diverse types of activities through all of its chapters with the USA, Canada, India and Afghanistan. For all of these operations, geared towards the benefit of the global community, we are solely reliant on public support, support from people and institutions like you, who care about music, Indian music in particular. Every portion of your help enables us to carry on with our mission and add more to what we already offer in the service. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization all of donations to Chhandayan are tax exempt, according to IRS rules. You can help us in many different ways, financially, in kind or with service. Please feel free to contact us if you need any suggestion or guidance.

This year we feel so happy and satisfied to be reminded that in over three decades of Chhandayan's operation to the benefit of the community we serve. We started in 1984 in Calcutta, India and subsequent transitioned to New York in 1998. What began then as a small labor of love has evolved over the years into a major center for Indian Classical music and the associated arts. Chhandayan now has a presence through its music classes, concerts and other outreach efforts in over 15 states in the USA and 12 countries across the world.

The past few years in particular have witnessed a tremendous amount of growth at Chhandayan. We currently have over 250 students learning different branches of Indian music and dance. We conduct individual as well as group classes in Indian Classical and Semi-Classical singing, Sitar, Sarod, Flute, Violin, Sarangi, Harmonium, Tabla, Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi dance. Meeting the needs of our students are over forty faculty of high caliber, who are putting their hearts and souls in grooming the aspirants. This year we were excited to welcome into our group several new teaching faculty of international repute. We also recently implemented a Certificate Course Program in Tabla. Students who complete this multi-year course will graduate from the program with the certificate equivalent to a Master’s degree in Tabla.

In addition to providing music instructions, Chhandayan continues to be very active in promoting Indian Classical music and dance through our various concert series. Our primary venue is based at the CCIM in New York City, where we hold approximately 35 concerts per year. Our chapters in Marlyand, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Toronto, Delhi and Kolkata also regularly host performances throughout the year. The capstone of our efforts is the All-Night Concert of Indian Classical Music, which is scheduled for Saturday May 6, 2017 and will be the 18th concert in this annual series. All of our concerts at different locations reach and benefit people of a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We estimate over 10,000 people attending Chhandayan concerts each year!

Chhandayan is also very active in the production of musical and artistic endeavors that seek to unify and give meaning to the human experience. In 2011, we produced Rabi Thakur – A Ballet on the Life ofTagore. In 2010, we first introduced Tablaphilia - A Tabla Symphony, based on Chaturashram: the four stages of human life. This beautiful and unique productionhas been performed in over 20 cites across the world, most recently last fall at the University of Pittsburgh, PA and Nutley, NJ. In 2014 we staged a unique musical production titled 'Fulfillment of Love'. Our cross cultural productions such as Indo-Flame, a unique blend of Indian and Flamenco music and dance, RagaRock, and the World Percussion Ensemble probe the mysterious connection between Indian music and the rest of world culture.

Yet another area where Chhandayan has increased its outreach efforts is through our on-line store, where a large number of CDs, DVDs and books are available. We also offer high-quality instruments made in India and imported by us. In addition, we have published a number of books and articles, authored by our faculty. Each one of these publications addresses the academic needs of the discipline, but also pays close attention to the underlying aesthetic importance of our music.

During this current academic year of 2014 and 2015 we will focus on making Chhandayan’s efforts more accessible through the use of modern technology. We shall increase the number of concerts we stream live and increase the number of students we teach through our on-line courses.

All of the above-mentioned activities occur as a result of the generosity of our community, both financially and through volunteer efforts. As we continue to expand Chhandayan’s outreach, we recognize the need to increase our fundraising capability. Thus, starting this year, we are implementing a targeted Annual Fundraising Appeal. Our goal is to raise $85,000 by the end of our academic year in June 2015. To kick off these efforts, we would like to raise $35,000 between now and December 25, 2014. We hope that you will find a way to support Chhandayan’s efforts. Chhandayan is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

Respectfully,Samir ChatterjeePresident and FounderChhandayan

4 W 43rd St, #618, New York, NY 10036

Chhandayan is a recipient of General Operating support from Howard Gilman Foundation